The WEF claims Malaysia ranks number 21 globally for quality roads out of 114 countries
The quality of roads plays a crucial role in assessing a country’s competitiveness, as highlighted in The Global Economy’s analysis of the World Economic Forum’s (WEF) Global Competitiveness Index. This index includes a road quality indicator, derived from the WEF Executive Opinion Survey, which gathers insights from over 14,000 business leaders across 144 countries.
According to the latest data from the WEF, Malaysia ranks number 21 globally for road quality, with an aggregated score of 5.3. This positioning reflects ongoing efforts and challenges in maintaining and improving infrastructure crucial for economic activities and daily life.
Moreover, Singapore leads the global rankings with the highest road quality score of 6.5, underscoring its investment in infrastructure and maintenance. The Netherlands and Switzerland follow closely in second and third place, respectively, reflecting their strong emphasis on road infrastructure development and upkeep.
However, despite Malaysia’s relatively favourable ranking, challenges persist on the ground. The anecdotal experience of encountering a severe pothole in PJ section 16, resulting in irreparable damage to a motorcycle wheel, underscores the real-world implications of infrastructure shortcomings.
On top of that, such incidents highlight the need for continued investment and focus on infrastructure maintenance to meet the demands of growing urbanisation and economic activity. Improving road quality not only enhances safety and convenience for commuters but also supports broader economic objectives by facilitating smoother transportation for all.
It can also contribute to attracting investments and fostering economic growth by reducing logistical costs and improving overall efficiency. Looking ahead, addressing infrastructure challenges, including potholes and road maintenance, remains a priority for Malaysia and other nations striving to enhance their competitiveness globally.
What’s more, continued collaboration between government agencies, private sectors, and communities will be essential in achieving sustainable improvements in road quality and infrastructure resilience. While Malaysia maintains a respectable position in global road quality rankings, the incident described highlights the practical challenges and the imperative for ongoing investment and strategic planning in infrastructure development and maintenance.
These efforts are crucial not only for improving competitiveness but also for ensuring the safety and efficiency of daily transportation networks essential for economic growth and societal well-being. So will Malaysia be able to improve this rating in the coming years and even reach a higher spot in the rankings? Let’s see.
